In the third of installment of "Someone You Should Know" we're taking a look at the ministry of Rev. Dennis Meredith.

When Rev. Dennis Meredith of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Atlanta began preaching acceptance of gay men and lesbians a few years ago, he attracted some gay people who were on the brink of suicide and some who had left the Baptist faith of their childhoods but wanted badly to return.

A compelling orator with the voice and showmanship of a stadium-rock star, Mr. Meredith quickly began to draw more new members. He preached against homosexuality. Then, five years ago, his middle son, Micah, told him that he is gay. Mr. Meredith and his wife began to read liberal theologians like Mr. Gomes and to look at Scripture again. What matters most in the Bible, Mr. Meredith said, was Jesus’ injunction to love God and to love your neighbor as yourself, and that includes gay men and lesbians. -Source

10 Comments:

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It was touching to see Rev. Dennis Meredith's (and his church's) embrace of homosexuality. However, I don't know why so many people (particularly gays and lesbians and specifically black gays and lesbians) even need "religion". Religion is THE fuel and the engine behind homophobia.

So one church reformed its homophobic ways (through the pastor's 21 year old son "coming out"). Religion is still a bad thing for gays. Again, religion fuels homophobia in this society. It probably always will.

the comment i thought was interesting from the clip is that he said there was "pressure because money was running out of here." so i ask, was it really a change of heart or a change in the church's financial accounts that really prompted the change.

@ anonymous:religion is just not a bad thing for gays. for me personally, i think religion is a bad thing for anybody. spirituality is one thing...religion is another. when a person desires to dwell in the Spirit of God, they won't be encumbered with all the rigidness of "religion." religion tends to put God in a box. spirituality seeks His presence, His love, His will, etc.

God Bless the Reverend! God is inclusive not exclusive. So many of these bigots forget that Jesus' ministry concerned itself with those who were marginalized by society, the poor and the outcast. He changed his mind and his church, lost members but he stuck to his guns and once again his church is filled. Religion is not prejudiced and bigotted, people are. Unfortunately when were are moved by something other than love/wisdom its reflected in our life/philosophy/doctrine. His love for his son obviously took precedence over his prejudices. That took bravery and love. Thanks for the story.

I do agree that God loves everyone. However, I do recall that all those who draw close to Jesus repent of sin and is transformed by salvation. Liberal theology and the gospel of "inclusion" omit fundamental biblical principles. I just find it odd that a pastor, who is suppose to know the Lord and is convicted of salvation would turn away from the bible and the principles in the bible to comfort his son alone only proves this pastor was not lead by the Holy Spirit. God love all, yes, even the homosexual man and the lesbian woman. He loves the murderers and the drug addicts alike. However, what good would it do to come to Christ as you are and what you do and not be transformed to be what God called us to be? Then what is the point of salvation and redemption if the gospel of "inclusion" omit and deny these christian principles?

I am glad that the good reverend accepted his gay son, however, I'm glad I don't need anybody to "approve" of my sexual orientation. My life is MINE to live as I choose. I don't belong to or attend any church. It's not something I need in my life. Whether someone like the good reverend "accepts" or "rejects" gay people means nothing to me.

Some people make a distinction between being "religious" and being "spiritual". It's all the same to me. I don't need either one.

Pastor Dennis Meredith is refreshing, energetic, appreciated, and loved by many people including myself. I want to visit his church next time I am in Atlanta and I just love following all he is doing to end bigotry and hatred towards gays and all minorities. All movements get started and gain momentum by great visionary people like Dennis Meredith who are confident, strong, and full of Love. I hope to attend Pastor Meredith's church and meet him soon.

I am a member of TBC, pastored by Rev. Meredith. I attended TBC many, many years before Rev. Meredith came to TBC. I am so appreciative of Rev. Meredith's teachings, "Love and Acceptance". I am a 62 year old proud black gay man who is now not affraid to attend church with my partner of 26years. The big money left the church BECAUSE Rev. Meredith started teaching "Love and Acceptance". Some of you seem to have that backward. If you have not taken the time to come to the church how can you blindly condem Rev. Meredith, someone who fights for us everyday. I am gay, religion nor spirituality has been a bad thing in my life.